Tyler ISD’s Early College High School (ECHS) has again been named the No. 1 high school in East Texas by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition highlights the campus as one of the region’s highest-performing educational institutions, specifically for its achievements in academic excellence and its commitment to college readiness for its students. The accolade underscores the consistent success of ECHS students, their dedicated educators, and supporting families, reflecting the school’s unwavering commitment to offering a rigorous college-preparatory education. Furthermore, the school actively creates opportunities for its students to earn substantial college credit even before they complete their high school graduation requirements.
ECHS Principal Amanda Hortman stated that receiving the title of No. 1 high school in East Texas is an "incredible honor," attributing it directly to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, staff, and families within the school community. Principal Hortman emphasized that students who enroll at Early College come prepared to challenge themselves academically. In response, the school's staff is committed to providing them with comprehensive support, consistent encouragement, and high expectations necessary for their success. She expressed profound pride in what ECHS students accomplish on a daily basis.
The design of Early College High School is fundamentally geared towards providing students with a seamless and clear pathway from their high school studies directly into higher education. This strategic objective is significantly advanced through its partnership with Tyler Junior College. Through this collaboration, ECHS students gain the unique opportunity to accumulate a considerable amount of college credit, all while simultaneously fulfilling their standard high school curriculum. This integrated educational model is specifically intended to position them favorably for success in their post-graduation academic and professional pursuits.
The ECHS campus has consistently garnered state and national recognition for its strong academic achievements. For example, in 2025, Early College High School was formally recognized as a Lone Star Ribbon School. Additionally, the school received the College, Career and Military Readiness Schools (CCRSM) Designated with Distinction designation for the 2025-2026 academic year. The most recent recognition from U.S. News & World Report further enriches the growing list of distinctions for a campus built upon the core belief that students can achieve at very high levels when they are given adequate opportunity, robust support, and a challenging academic environment tailored to their growth.
Principal Hortman concluded by noting that Early College High School serves as a tangible example of what can be achieved when high expectations are firmly set for students, and they are subsequently provided with the essential resources and steadfast support needed to meet those demanding expectations. She made it clear that this recognition is a collective achievement, belonging to the entire ECHS community, and expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing efforts to build upon this established success in the future.
